Manning – who had a 13-year Hall of Fame career in Indianapolis, but was cut by the Colts because of concerns about a neck injury – signed with Denver in the offseason. Yet, despite his recovery and despite his greatness, he's finding out it's not easy to miss a full season and come back at peak performance.

"Same issue, just one of those freak things," Izzo said. "He got hit in one of those small practices. He'll probably be out for the year. It's going to be January (when he returns), and we'll want to redshirt him, but that's between him and his family, and our input."

"I think Kenny had the longest way to go, but he gave us that one thing we needed in that he's a knockdown shooter. He can really shoot it."

Finally, though, the Spartans should be with the services of Russell Byrd, the big shooting guard who has been an injury list stalwart in his first couple of seasons.

"Thank goodness, it looks like Russell Byrd is finally going to be injury free," Izzo said. "He's been, I guess, a disappointment because in people's minds, they haven't seen him. But it hasn't been for lack of skill or lack of effort or lack of health. Now he's been healthy, and he gives us a long, long range 6-7 guy who can really shoot it."